Grease gun



C. W. STOLL GREASE GUN Filed May 26, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet' 1 April 19, 1938. C, w STOLL 2,114,509

lGREASE GUN Filed May 25, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 19, 1938. c, w, $TC 2,114,509

GREASE GUN Filed May 26, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ZL .62 /0 /5 ,7 '2:9 'fao 67 70 im f.

Z/f//e/f/of C/SFBL W 67,24

Patented Apr. 19, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Smith-Johnson Corporation,

Los Angeles,

Calif., a corporation of California Application May 26,

23 Claims.

This invention relates to lubricant handling apparatus and relates more particularly to portable grease guns. A general object of this invention is to provide a compact, practical and effec- I tive grease gun that may be readily and quickly conditioned for the manual ejection of the lubricant or the powel` ejection of the lubricant.

Another object of this invention is to provide a convertible grease gun embodying a lubricant container assembly having a discharge tube for delivering the lubricant to the parts to be lubricated, a high pressure lubricant cylinder and means for feeding lubricant from the container to the cylinder, which assembly is adapted to receive a handle and ram unit for the ejection of the lubricant from the cylinder under the pressure of a manual thrust on the device, and is also adapted to receive a power operated ram unit embodying a ram operable in said cylinder by a lsuitable uid under pressure to eject the lubricant to the ports to be lubricated. The single container, discharge tube, and cylinder assembly of the present invention may be easily adapted for the handling of lubricants of various grades or types and for the lubrication of various machine parts by merely nterchanging the manually actuated ra'm unit and the power operated ram unit.

Another object of this invention is to provide a convertible grease gun of the character mentioned in which the manually operated ram unit and the iluid pressure actuated ram unit may be easily and quickly exchanged without disturbing or removing any parts of the container, discharge tube and cylinder assembly and, if desired, without changing the grade or type of lubricant in the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained grease gun characterized by a 40 lubricant container and ejector cylinder assembly that is adapted to receive either a high pressure manually actuated ram unit or a low pressure manually actuated ram unit for effecting the ejection of the lubricant under pressure. The lubricant container, discharge tube, and cylinder assembly may be quickly conditioned for use with the high or low pressure manually operated ram units without the removal or al- ;,0 teration of any parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a portable self-contained grease gun in which the principal mass of the lubricant and the ejecting mechanism are adjacent the rear or inner end of the gun where the gun is supported and 1936, Serial No. 81,846

held by the operator, thus promoting the easy convenient manipulation of the gun.

Another object of this invention is to provide a convertible manually actuated and power actuated grease gun of the character mentioned that embodies a spring loaded or spring urged follower for feeding the lubricant to the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lubricant container assembly for a convertible grease gun of the character mentioned that embodies a spring actuated follower for feeding lubricant to the ejector cylinder that is such that the spring for motivating the follower is withdrawn through the forward end of the container when loading or drawing a supply of lubricant into the container by means of the follower.

Another object of this invention is to provide a convertible manually actuated and power acy tuated grease gun of the character mentioned characterized by a lubricant container embodying a fluid pressure actuated follower for feeding lubricant to the ejector cylinder, which follower operates on or over a normally stationary discharge tube which does not require packingN between normally relatively movable parts to prevent the loss of charging fluid pressure at the forward end of the gun.

Another object of this invention is to provide a convertible grease gun of the character men-"` tioned embodying a novel ported centering part or unit that admits the lubricant to the ejector cylinder and that receives and properly centers the rams of the exchangeable power actuated4 ram unit and the manually actuated ram unit.

Another object of this invention is to provide a compact and particularly effective handle and manually operable ram unit for a convertible grease gun of the character mentioned.

Another object o-f this invention is to providey a simple, compact and eflicient manually controlled power actuated ram unit for a convertible y grease gun of the character mentioned.

A further object of this invention is to provide a portable self-contained grease gun in" which practically the entire shell or body of the gun may be utilized to store or contain lubricant.

The various other objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from thefollowing detailed description of typical preferred forms' and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal detailed sectional view of the combination of the pneumatically primed container assembly and the manually perable low pressure ram unit. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the container assembly illustrated in Fig. l showing the power actuated ram unit in conjunction therewith, the ram unit and the adjacent part of the container being in central vertical cross section. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View of the manually operable low pressure rarn unit. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional View of the pneumatically primed container assembly. Fig. 5 is a central longitudinal detailed sectional view of the spring loaded container assembly. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View of the power operated ram unit and Fig. 7 is a vertical detailed sectional view of the high pressure manualy operable ram unit applied to a container assembly.

The present invention is directed to a grease gun that may be converted from a low pressure or a high pressure hand operated device to a power actuated device at the will of the operator, whereby it may handle Various lubricants and may be employed in the lubrication of machine parts and bearings of different types. In the following detailed disclosure I will describe several typical embodiments of the invention, it being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific details set forth, but that it is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The form of the invention and the combination of parts illustrated in Figs. l and 3 of the drawings comprises, generally, a lubricant container III having a discharge tube II, an ejector cylinder I2 associated with the tube II, a fluid pressure actuated follower I3 in the container IIJ for feeding lubricant to the cylinder I2, and a manually operable ram unit I l removably connectedwith the container I8 and operable to force charges of lubricant from the cylinder I2 through the discharge tube I I.

The container I8 comprises the main part or body of the gun and is adapted to carry and store a supply of lubricant and to support the tube II, the cylinder' I2, etc. In the preferred construction the container Iii is in the nature of an elongate substantially cylindrical assembly proportioned to be conveniently handled by the operator. In practice the container I8 may comprise a main tubular section I5, a forward head or cap IIB, and a rear head or cap I'I. The section I5 may be in the form of an elongate cylindrical tube having its opposite end portions threaded for the reception of the caps I6 and I'I. In accordance with the invention an annular inwardly curled lip I8 is provided on the section I5 at its rear end. The forward cap .I6 closes the forward end of the section I5 and forms a support for the tube I I. The cap I6 may have an annular flange 9 threaded to the forward end of the section I5. A central boss I9 is provided on the cap I6. The cap Il is preferably removably secured to the section I5 so that it may be easily removed to give access to the interior of the container, to permit loading of lubricant in the container, etc. The cap I'i may have an annular flange 8 threaded on the rear end vof the section I5. A forwardly facing internal shoulder 2l is provided on the interior of the cap Il and a sealing gasket 22 is clamped between the shoulder 2l and the lip I8 to provide a seal between the cap and the section I5. The rear cap I1 may be tapered rearwardly to a reduced central boss 23.

The discharge tube II is provided to conduct the ejected lubricant under pressure to the parts to be lubricated or to a fitting or conduit for conveying the lubricant to the machine parts. The tube II enters the forward end of the container I and extends rearwardly through the container to a point adjacent its rear end. The tube II extends through an opening in the boss I9 and is preferably co-axial with the container section I5. During the operation of the grease gun the discharge tube I I is relatively stationary and is secured or fixed to the cap I6. A forwardly facing shoulder 24 is provided on the boss I9 and a flange or collar is xed to the tube II and bears rearwardly against the shoulder 24. A sealing gasket 23 may be interposed between the shoulder 24 and the collar 25. In the particular construction illustrated the collar 25 is brazed or welded to the rod II. A nut 21 is removably threaded in the opening 28 in the boss I9 to clamp the collar 25 rearwardly against the gasket 2B and thus hold the tube I I against movement. The nut 2l may be unthreaded from the boss I3 to permit longitudinal movement of the tube I I for the purpose of drawing lubricant into the container Ill as will be subsequently described. A conduit or extension 28 may be secured to the outer end of the tube II and may be provided with a discharge fitting 28 for cooperating with the lubricant receiving fittings on the bearings or parts to be lubricated. It will be noted that the normally stationary tube I I may be a simple member of uniform external diameter.

The high pressure cylinder or ejector cylinder I2 is connected with the rear end of the discharge tube II. In practice the cylinder I2 may be an integral tubular part. The cylinder I2 is preferably axially aligned with the discharge tube II and may be secured to the tube in any suitable manner. In the case illustrated, a reduced pin 28 is provided on the forward end of the cylinder I2 and is threaded into a central socket 29 in the rear end of the tube II. I2 is thus axially aligned with the tube II. The cylinder I2 may project into the tapered cap I'I and its rear end is open to receive the ram of the unit I4. A stop shoulder 3D is provided on the exterior of the cylinder I2 to limit the rearward travel of the follower I3.

An outlet valve is provided at the forward end of the cylinder I2. The outlet valve may comprise a ball 3I urged against a seat 32 by a spring 33. The seat 32 may be formed directly on the forward end of the cylinder pin 28 and the spring 33 may be arranged under compression between the valve 3I and a suitable stop ring 34 in the tube II. It is preferred that a port 35 of reduced diameter extend from the interior of the cylinder I2 to the seat 32 to be under the control of the valve 3|.

The invention provides a. novel fitting or guide 36 at the rear end of the cylinder I2 for admitting lubricant to the cylinder and for guiding and locating the ram of the ram unit for operation in the cylinder. The guide 36 may be carried by the cap I1 to engage about the rear end of the cylinder I2. In practice the guide 36 may have its rear portion threaded into a central opening 31 in the boss 23. A longitudinal opening 38 is provided in the guide 36 and is longitudinally aligned with the opening of the cylinder I2. A socket 39 is provided in the for- Ward end of the guide 36 and receives the rear The cylinder follower.

portion of the cylinder' I2. A plurality of lateral parts 40 is provided in the Wall of the guide 36 to deliver lubricant from the container I0 to the rear end of the cylinder I2. Strainers or screens 4I are arranged across the outer ends of the ports 40 to prevent the admission of foreign matter to the cylinder I2.

The form of container assembly being described is fluid pressure primed or actuated to feed lubricant to the cylinder I2 and embodies the piston or follower I3 operable in the container IIJ. 'Ihe follower I3 surrounds the discharge tube II and is operable rearwardly in the container I Il against the mass of lubricant in the container. The follower I3 may comprise a single packing member 42 clamped between two plates 43. A lip or flange 44 is provided on the periphery of the packing member 42 to slidably seal with the internal Wall of the container section I5. A forwardly projecting flange 45 may be provided on the packing member 42 to slidably seal with the discharge tube II. The forward plate 43 may be bent or formed to permit the proper operation of the sealing flange 45.

Means is provided to admit air or other fluid under pressure to the forward end of the container I to act against the follower I3. In practice a suitable air admitting check valve 46 may be provided in the cap IE to admit air under pressure to the container IB from an air hose such as found in service stations, garages, etc. It is preferred to provide a relief valve 4I on the cap I6 to permit the discharge of the fluid under pressure from the container I0 when it is desired to reload the container 0r exchange the actuating ram units. The relief valve 4I may be in the nature of a simple needle manual valve controlling a port 48 in the Wall of the cap I6. It will be apparent how fluid under pressure in the forward portion of the container ID presses the follower lI3 rearwardly against the body of lubricant to feed the lubricant into the cylinder I2 through the ports 4I). The flange 3D on the cylinder I2 is operable to limit the rearward travel of the follower I3.

The tube II and the follower I3 may be conveniently employed to load or charge the container IU with lubricant. To charge the container I 0 with lubricant the valve-41 is first .opened to relieve pressure at the rear of the follower I3 and the nut 2l is unthreaded from the boss I9 to permit forward movement of the tube II. The cap I'I is unthreaded from the c'ontainer section I and the open rear end of the container section I5 is inserted in a supply of the desired lubricant. The tube I I is then pulled outwardly or forwardly relative to the container I0 and the shoulder 33 cooperates with the follower I3 to move the follower with the tube. As the tube II is pulled outwardly the follower I3 sucks or draws the charge of lubricant into the rear end of the section I5.

'Ihe invention provides a novel stop for limiting the forward charging movement of the .follower I3. A coiled spring 49 surrounds the tube I I and is secured to or bears on the cap I6. When the follower I3 approaches the end of its forward lubricant charging stroke the forward plate 43 engages the spring 49. The spring 49 yieldingly limits the forward movement of the fol-- lower I3 and operates to stop the follower in a 4position where a suitable space is left in the -'forward portion of the container III to receive the ,air under pressure for acting against the The spring 49 also yields to permit rto the rear end of the container.

further forward movement of the follower I3 when the tube I I is pushed back into the container I0 after the cap I'I has been again secured It is to be noted that the tube II is normally fixed or stationary with respect to the container .III and is sealed about by the simple gasket 28 so that there is no necessity for a sealing means for packing about any reciprocating parts at the forward end of the gun to prevent the loss of air pressure.

The air primed or fluid pressure primed container assembly just described is adapted to receive the manually actuated ram unit I4, the fluid pressure actuated ram unit I4a illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6 or the high pressure manually actuated ram unit I4D illustrated in Fig. '7. The ram units I4 and I4b illustrated in Figs. 1 and 7 are in the nature of manually operable means for ejecting charges of lubricant from the cylinder I2 while the ram unit I4fL illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6 is in the nature of a power actuated or pneumatically actuated ram unit. In accordance with the invention the units I4, I4a and I 4b may be interchangeably employed on the container assembly described above or on the spring loaded container assembly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings.-

The manually operable ram unit I4 in addition to forming an ejecting means constitutes a handle means for facilitating the manipulation of the gun. The unit I4 includes a guide tube 50 removably secured to the cap I'I, a handle 5I reoiprocable on the tube 53 and a ram 52 movable with the handle 5I and operable in th-e cylinder I2. The tube 5I) of the unit I4 is provided at its forward end with means for detachably connecting with the cap I'I of the container I Il. In practice a socket member 53 is provided on the forward end of the tube 50 and is threaded on the boss 23 to removably secure the unit I4 to the container I0. The socket member 53 may be threaded on the tube 5G and then Welded to the tube to be rigid therewith.

The handle 5I may have the configuration of.

a pistol grip to be conveniently grasped. The

- handle 5I is normally at the outer end of the tube 50 and is shiftable or reciprocable on the tube to operate the ram 52. A tubular boss 54 on the forward side of the handle 5I shiftably receives:

the tube 5I). Pins 55 project inwardly from the boss 54 and operate in slots 5S in the guide tube 50 to prevent turning of the handle on the tube and to limit the movement of the handle. The

operating handle 5I may be hollow to be inexpensive and light in Weight.

The plunger or ram 52 of the unit I4 is secured to the handle 5I to move therewith. The ram 52 is an elongate rod-like member extending through the guide tube 5I! with suitable clearance to project into the guide 35 and operate in the cylinder I2. The rear portion of the ram 5.2 may be threaded into a socket 51 in the rear wall of the handle 5I to secure the ram to the handle. The ram 52 extends through a suitable packing gland 58 in the forward end of the guide tube 50. rIhe gland 58 has an inner part 58a threaded in the tube 50 to maintain the packing of the turning the handle 5I and the ram 52 to their normal positions after actuation of the ram. A spring 59 surrounds the ram 52 and is arranged under compression between the packing part 58a and the rear wall of the handle 5I. The spring 5S operates to normally hold the handle 5I and the ram 52 in their rear positions and to return them to their normal rear positions after each actuation of the ram.

If it is desired to employ the grease gun to force charges of lubricant under pressure to parts to be lubricated by means of the relatively low pressure manual ram unit I4, the unit I4 may be assembled on the container IB as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The container Ill may have been previously filled or charged with a suitable lubricant by means of the discharge tube Il and follower I3 in the manner described above. It may be desired or found necessary to provide air or suitable fluid under pressure in the forward portion of the container I to feed lubricant from the container into the cylinder I2.

To actuate the gun the tting 29 is arranged against the grease receiving fitting which is to receive the charges of lubricant and a thrust or pressure is applied to the handle to effect forward movement of the ram 52 relative to the container II) so that the ram enters and moves forwardly in the cylinder l2 to displace or force a charge of lubricant from the cylinder into the tube Il. At the completion of the forward movement of the handle 5I the operator while holding the container I0 stationary, with the fitting 29 against the grease receiving fitting, allows the handle 5l to move rearwardly under the action of the spring 5.9. Rearward movement of the handle 5l and the ram 52 to their rear positions evacuates the cylinder I2 and allows a charge of lubricant to be forced into the rear end ofthe cylinder I2 through the ports 4I). The follower I3 pressing against the forward end of the body of grease in the container Il) aids in feeding the lubricant to the cylinder !2. The above operation may be repeated to successively force charges of lubricant under pressure into and through the tube l I to the grease receiving fitting.

As there are no normally moving or reciprocating parts at the forward end of the container I0 there is little danger of the leakage of charging fluid pressure from the forward portion of the container. The ram 52 may be easily and conveniently operated through the medium of the handle 5I. The guide 36 centers and guides the ram 52 for proper operation in the cylinder l2. The follower i3 automatically moves rearwardly against the body of lubricant in the container I0 as the lubricant is ejected from the gun, It may be found necessary to provide air under pressure in the forward portion of the container I0 from time to time during the operation of the gun. The container I9 may be easily charged with a supply of lubricant by means of the tube II and the follower i3, as fully described above.

The power actuated ram unit Illa illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings is adapted to be employed on the container assembly illustrated in Figs. l to 4 of the drawings, or on the container assembly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The unit IfIa is a separable structure adapted to be removably connected with the rear caps of the container assemblies illustrated in the drawings. The unit Illa comprises a body whose upper portion is chambered to form a cylinder 60 and whose lower portion is in the nature of a handle 6I. The cylinder 60 is a substantially cylindrical part and is axially aligned with the container I0 when in position on the assembly as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings and has an integral forward end wall. A threaded cap or plug 62 closes the rear end of the cylinder 60. A central socket 63 is provided in the forward end wall of the cylinder 60. When the unit I4a is to be employed in connection with the container I0 as illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings the boss 23 is threaded into the socket 63 to removably secure the unit HIa to the container assembly. The body is thickened or provided with a flange 64 where the cylinder 60 and handle 6I join. The handle 6| is preferably hollow to be light in weight and is preferably integral with the fiange 64 and the cylinder 60.

The power actuated ram unit Ma includes a plunger or ram 65 for operating in the cylinder I2 to eject the lubricant therefrom. The ram 65 may be a simple solid cylindrical member, as illustrated in` the drawings. The ram 65 extends longitudinally through the cylinder S0 and passes forwardly through a suitable packing gland 65 in the forward wall of the cylinder 60. The ram 65 is proportioned to at all times project from the cylinder 60 into the guide 36. The guide 36 operates to slidably support and guide the ram 65 and to properly align the ram with the cylinder I2. In accordance with the invention a piston S'I is provided in the cylinder 60 to operate the ram 65. The piston 6l is preferably on or secured to the ram 65. rhe piston S1 may comprise a simple packing member 68 held between plates 69. The plates 69 may be threaded or otherwise secured to the ram 65. The packing member '68 has a peripheral flange l0 slidably sealing with the wall of the cylinder G0. A coile-d spring 85 is arranged under compression between the forward wall of the cylinder 6! and the piston 69 to return the piston 61 and the ram 65 to their normal positions after actuation. A port 86 is provided in the forward wall of the cylinder 60 to permit the free forward actuation of the piston 61 in the cylinder.

The piston 6l is actuated by fluid under pressure and the unit Ita includes valve means for actuating or controlling the piston 6l. The web or flange B4 is ported and carries the valve vmeans for governing the piston 6l. A longitudinal port 'Il is provided in the flange 65 and has a branch port I2 communicating with the rear end of the cylinder 60. A socket '13 is provided in the rear end of the flange 64 and an opening 'I4 extends forwardly from the socket 13. A fitting 'l5 is threaded in the socket 'I3 and is adapted to receive the nipple or tting I of an air supply hose H. A port 1 Ia connects the port '.'I with the inner portion of the socket 13. A normally closed inlet valve 'I6 is provide-d in the fitting 'I5 to control the admission of the iiuid or air under pressure to the cylinder El). The valve T6 may be in the natiu'e of a tire valve of the class employed on the tubes of pneumatic vehicle tires. A rod 19 extends through the opening 'lll and the socket "I3 and is normally urged forwardly by a spring 'I8 acting against a iiange 'Il on the rod.

Means is provided for controlling the valve 16. The means for controlling the valve 'I6 includes -a trigger 80 pivotally supported on a pin BI at the forward end of the flange B4 to be readily engageable by a finger of the operators hand grasping the handle 6l. The trigger 80 cooperates with the forward end of the stem 19. When the trigger 80 is depressed the rod 'I9 is shifted inwardly to open the valve I6 to admit air under pressure to the rear end of the cylinder 60.

A discharge valve 82 is provided at the forward end of the port 1l. The discharge valve 82 may be of the same type as the valve i8. A finger 83 is provided on the trigger 88 and is adapted to cooperate with the stem of the valve 82. The valve 82 and the finger 83 are related so that the valve 82 is held in its open position when the trigger 88 is in its normal unactuated position. The spring I8 operates to urge the stem I9 forwardly and thus hold the trigger 88 in its normal position where the valve 82 is maintained open. A packing gland 8d may be provided at the forward end of the opening I4 to seal about the stem 19.

Assuming that the container Hl has been supplied with a charge of the desired lubricant in the manner described above, and that the unit |421, is secured to the container I8, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings, the device operates as follows: The operator may readily manipulate the gun and place the discharge fitting 29 against the desired grease receiving fitting preparatory to forcing lubricant thereto. The trigger 8B may then be depressed to admit air under pressure to the rear end of the cylinder 68. The air under pressure admitted to the rear en-d of the cylinder 69 forces the piston 6l forwardly and moves the ram 65 forwardly into the cylinder I2. The valve 82 closes simultaneously with the opening of the Valve 'I6 so that the air under pressure admitted to the cylinder 69 is effective in actuating the ram 65. ljorward movement of the ram 65 in the cylinder I2 forces a charge of lubricant under pressure from the cylinder into the discharge tube II. When the operator relieves the pressure on the trigger 89 the spring I8 returns the trigger to its normal position allowing the Valve l5 to close and effecting opening of the Valve 82 whereupon the spring 85 returns the piston to its original position. The ram 55 moves rearwardly with the piston 87 and evacuates the cylinder I2 allowing a charge of lubricant to be forced through the ports 48 into the cylinder.

The above described operation may be repeated to effect the ejection of the desired quantity of lubricant under pressure to the grease receiving fitting.

Fig. 5 of the drawings illustrates a container unit or assembly in which the follower |32 is spring loaded or spring urged. In this assembly the container section I5, the cap I'I, the cylinder I2 and the guide 36 may be identical with the Acorresponding parts of the container assembly illustrated in Figs. l, 2, and 3 of the drawings. A cap I5a closes the forward end of the container section i5. In accordance with the invention the cap |6U, is extended or tapered forwar-dly so that its interior forms a continuation of the interior of the section I5. A central opening 21a is provided in the outer end of the cap Ita. The cap |68 may be provided with a flange 85 threaded onto the forward end of the container section I5.

The spring loaded container assembly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings includes a discharge tube IIa corresponding in function and location to the discharge tube I I described above. The tube IIa extends longitudinally in the container to project forwardly through the opening 2'Ia in the cap i621. The forward projecting end of the discharge tube IIa may carry suitable means for conveying the lubricant and for cooperating with the grease receiving fittings. In accordance with the invention the tube Ila is removably or releasably secured in the cap I Iia to be normally fixed or rigid with respect to the container. A collar a is fixed to the tube IIa. In the particular case illustrated the collar 25a is fixed to the tube IIa by a pin 88. A shoulder 87 is provided in the opening 2'Ia and a nut 28a' is threaded in the opening 272L to clamp the collar 25a against the shoulder 8'I and thus hold the tube I Ia rigid with the container. The cylinder I2 may be secured to the rear end of the tube i I in the same manner as in the previously described form of container assembly and a discharge valve 3| is provided at the forward end of the cylinder.

The follower I3a is operable in the container section I5 to urge or feed the lubricant to the cylinder I2. The follower I3EL may include two packing elements or members 88 in abutting relation and surrounding the tube IIe. Plates 89 are provided to clamp the members 8B together. Peripheral sealing flanges 90 are provided on the members 88 to seal with the interior of the container section I5. The flange 98 of the forward member 88 projects forwardly to seal with the internal wall of the section I5 when the follower I3 is moved forwardly. The flange 90 of the rear member 88 slidably seals with the internal wall of the section I5 when the follower is moved rearwardly against the body of lubricant in the container. Flanges 9| are provided on the members 88 to slidably seal about the discharge tube IIa. The inner portions of the plates 89 are bowed outwardly to permit the proper sealing action of the anges 9|. Y

Spring means is provided to urge the follower I3a rearwardly against the body of lubricant in the container section I5. A coiled spring 92 surrounds the discharge tube IIa and has one end bearing on the collar 25a and one end bearing on the forward plate 89. The spring'92 is of sufficient strength and length to urge the follower I3a against the body of lubricant in the container throughout the entire stroke of the follower. The flange on the cylinder I2 limits the rearward travel of the follower I3a stopping the follower in the rear end part of the section I5. The invention provides a yielding stop for limiting the forward travel of the follower I3a when lubricant is being loaded in the container. A coiled or spiralled spring 93 is secured to or arranged against a shoulder 94 on the interior of the cap |62 and surrounds the discharge tube IIe The spring 93 normally projects some ldistance rearwardly into the section I5 and is operable to stop the forward movement of the follower I3e at or adjacent the forward end of the section I5. A port or vent 94EL is provided in the cap I6a toplace the interior of the cap and the forward portion of the container section I5 in communication with the atmosphere.

The container assembly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings may be employed with or provided with the ram unit I4, the ram unit I4a or the ram unit I4b as desired or found necessary. The operation of the spring loaded container assembly with any of these ram units is substantially the same. In operation, the spring 92 urges the follower It?a rearwardly against the lubricant in the container section I5 so that a charge of lubricant is fed to the cylinder I2 during each return stroke of the ram. It is to be particularly noted that substantially the entire containersection I5 may store or contain lubricant. 'I'he forward cap I 6a is operable to house the spring 92 in its collapsed or compressed condition so that the section I5 may be substantially filled with the lubricant to provide for prolonged operation of the gun without reloading.

The follower I3 and the discharge tube IIa may be employed to load lubricant in the container section I5. When it is desired to load lubricant in the container section I5 the nut 2lia is rst unthreaded from the opening 27a to relieve the spring pressure on the follower I3a. The cap I'I which may carry a ram unit is then removed from the rear end of the section I5 and the open rear end of the section is plunged or immersed in the selected lubricant. The discharge tube IIa is then pulled upwardly or outwardly relative to the section I5. The flange 30 engages the rear plate 89 to carry or move the follower I3a with the tube Ila. The follower I3a thus moved outwardly or upwardly through the section I5 draws the lubricant into the lower or rear end of the section. It is to be noted that the spring 92 is drawn forwardly through the opening 2'Ia with the tube I IEL and does not need to be compressed during the process of loading lubricant in the assembly. The tube IIa may be drawn outwardly until the outer or forward plate 89 of the follower I3a strikes the spring 93. The spring 93 operates to yieldingly limit the outward or forward movement of the follower I3, stopping the follower at the forward end of the section I5 when the section I5 has been substantially entirely filled or loaded with lubricant. The cap I'I provided with the desired ram unit is then reapplied to the section I5 and the tube I Ia is shifted rearwardly or inwardly until its collar 25a engages the shoulder 81. During this insertion of the tube IIa the spring 93 yields further due to the increased pressure on the lubricant resulting from its displacement by the tube. The spring 93 thus facilitates the assembly of the apparatus during the loading process. The socket 39 of the guide 36 receives, centers and supports the rear portion of the cylinder I2. The nut 20a is then threaded in the opening 2'Ia to hold the tube Il!a against movement. The gun is then in condition for operation.

The ram unit Mb illustrated in Fig. '7 of the drawings is in the nature of a manually operable high pressure unit capable of ejecting the lubricant through the discharge tube I I or I Ia at relatively high pressures. The ram unit Idb may be employed on either of the previously described container assemblies. The unit Mb includes a handle Sla, a guide tube 50a, a cylinder liner or' bushing 95 and a ram 52a operable in the bushing 95.

The handle Sie and the guide tube 5I]a may be substantially identical with the handle 5I and the tube 59 of the unit illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings. The tube 59a is shiftably received in a tubular boss 54a on the handle 5Ia whereby the handle may be reciprocated on the tube. An integral socket part 53a is provided on the forward end of the tube 59a and is adapted to be threaded on the boss 23 to secure the unit Mb to the container assembly.

The cylinder liner or bushing 95 is carried by the guide tube 59 to extend into and reduce the effective diameter of the cylinder I2. The bushing 95 is an elongate tubular part adapted to extend through the guide 35 and cylinder I2 to a point adjacent the discharge valve 3l. The internal diameter of the bushing 95 is substantially less than the internal diameter of the cylinder I2. The bushing 95 may have a flange 96 at its rear end threaded in the forward portion of the guide tube 55a. The bushing 95 is thus secured to the tube 53a. Lateral ports 9'! are provided in the walls of the bushing 95 to register with the inlet ports 49 of the cylinder i2. Grooves 98 may be provided in the exterior of the bushing 95 to trap the lubricant for sealing between the bushing and the cylinder I2.

The ram 52a is secured to the handle 5Ia to move therewith and to be reciprocated in the bushing 95 when the handle is operated or reciprocated. The ram 52a extends longitudinally through the guide tube 55a with substantial clearance. The rear portion of the ram 52a may be threaded in a socket or opening 99 in the rear wall of the handle 5Ia. rIhe forward active portion of the ram 52a is reduced in diameter to properly operate in the bushing 95. A suitable packing member i5@ is provided on the rear side of the fiange 95 to seal about the ram 52a. A spring 59a surrounds the ram 52a and has one end cooperating with the rear wall of the handle 5la and has its other end cooperating with a threaded nut member I9? which holds the packing member IDO under compression. The spring 39n is operable to return the handle 5Ia and the ram 52a to their normal positions after forward actuation. Pins 55a in the boss 54a operate in slots 552L in the tube 59a to prevent turning of the handle 5in on the tube 50 and to limit the movement of the handle and ram. When the handle 5Ia and the ram 52 are in their normal unactuated positions the forward end of the ram 52%L is adjacent the ports 97.

The operation of the manually operable ram unit Mb is substantially identical with the operation of the ram unit I6. The handle 5t"L may be pressed or moved forwardly relative to the container assembly to move the ram 52a forwardly through the bushing 95. rihe ram 52a moving forwardly through the bushing 95 discharges or ejects a charge of lubricant into the discharge tube II or il21 at a relatively high pressure. The spring 59a is operable to return the handle 5Ia and the ram 52L and upon the return movement of the ram a charge of lubricant is drawn or forced into the bushing 95. It will be apparent how the handle 5Ia may be reciprocated to effect the discharge of the desired quantity of lubricant from the gun at a relatively high pressure. When the unit Ilb is to be applied to the gun the liner or bushing 95 is entered through the guide 35 to be received in the cylinder i2. The guide 3G operates to properly center the bushing 95 so that the socket part 53a may be threaded on the boss 23 to secure the ram unit to the container assembly. When the socket part 53EL has been properly threaded on the boss 23 the unit Mb is in condition for operation.

The present invention provides a grease gun embodying a power operated ram unit I 4f and low pressure and high pressure manually operable ram units I@ and Ib that may be interchangeably employed on the container and discharge tube assemblies. The ram units may be easily and quickly exchanged without disturbing the other parts of the gun. In exchanging the ram unit on the fluid pressure primed container assembly illustrated in Figs. l and 2 of the drawings it is necessary to open the valve 41 before removing the ram unit from the cap Il so that the lubricant is not discharged through the rear end of the gun. Before removing a ram unit from the spring loaded assembly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings it is necessary to unthread the nut 20a and thus relieve the spring pressure onV the follower '38 so that the lubricant is not forced through the rear end of the gun upon removal of the ram unit. The guide 3@ operates to center and align the rams with the cylinder I2 and locate the rain units so that they may be easily and properly applied to the container assembly.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. In a grease gun the combination of, a container for lubricant, means closing the forward end of the container, a discharge tube secured to said means and extending rearwardly in the container, a cylinder at the rear end of the discharge tube, a check valve controlling communication between the cylinder and the tube, a rear cap closing the rear end of the container, and a ram unit secured to the rear cap and including a f ram operable in the cylinder.

2. In a grease gun the combination of, a container for lubricant, means closing the forward end of the container, a discharge tube secured to said means and extending rearwardly in the container, a cylinder at the rear end of thedischarge tube, a valve controlling communication between the cylinder and the discharge tube, a rear cap closing the rear end of the container, an ejector unit on the cap including'a recipro- I cable ram unit, and a guide at the cap for guiding the cylinder to receive the ram.

3. In a grease gun the combination of, a container for lubricant, means closing the forward end of the container, a discharge tube secured to said means and extending rearwardly in the container, a valved cylinder at the rear end of the discharge tube, a cap closing the rear end of the container, an ejector unit carried by the cap and including a reciprocable ram, and a guide on the rear cap ported to admit lubricant to the cylinder and centering the cylinder to receive the ram.

4. In a grease gun, the combination of, a container for lubricant, a discharge tube extending rearwardly in the container, a valved cylinder on the rear end of the discharge tube, means forcing lubricant from the container into the cylinder at super-atmospheric pressure, an ejector unit on the rear end of the container including a ram for ejecting lubricant from the cylinder, and a guide receiving the rear portion of the cylinder and operable to center the ram of said unit for operation in the cylinder.

5. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container, a lubricant discharge tube extending rearwardly in the container from its forward end, a valved cylinder on the rear end of the tube, a ram unit on the rear end of the container including a ram for operating in the cylinder, and a guide in the container maintaining a coaxial relationship between the ram and the cylinder, and having tainer centering the cylinder to receive the ram and having a port for admitting lubricant from the container to the cylinder.

7. A lubricant gun comprising, a lubricant container, a lubricant discharge tube entering an end of the container, releasable means holding the -tube against movement relative to the container,

a cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in th-e container on the tube to feed lubricant to thefcylinder, ejector means for ejecting the lubricant from the cylinder, and means limiting travel of the follower on the tube whereby the tube may be released from the container and drawn outwardly to cause the follower to draw a supply of lubricant into the container.

8. A lubricant gun comprising, a lubricant container, a lubricant discharge tube entering an end of the container, releasable means holding the tube against movement relative to the container, a cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container on the tube to feed lubricant to the cylinder, a spring on the tube for urging the follower against the lubricant in the container, a ram for ejecting lubricant from the cylinder, and means causing the follower to move with the tube when the rst named means is released and the tube is moved outwardly to draw a supply of lubricant into the container.

9. A lubricant gun comprising, a lubricant container, a lubricantldischarge tube entering an end of the container, releasable means holding the tube against movement relative to the container,'a cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container on the tube to feed lubricant to the. cylinder, a ram for ejecting lubricant from the cylinder, means limiting travel of the follower on the tube whereby the tube may be released from the container and drawn outwardly to cause the follower to draw a supply of lubricant into the container, and a spring in the forward portion of the container limiting the forward travel of the follower.

l0. A lubricant gun comprising, a lubricant container, a lubricant discharge tube entering an end of the container, releasable means holding the tube against movement relative to the container, a cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container on the tube to feed lubricant to the cylinder, a spring bearing against the follower and a part on the tube to urge the follower against the lubricant in the container, a ram for ejecting lubricant from the cylinder through the tube and a part on the tube cooperable with the follower to move the same forwardly when said means is released and the tube is moved forwardly.

ll. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container having forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap, means releasably securing the tube to the forward cap, a cylinder at the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container to feed lubricant to the cylinder, a spring surrounding the tube and bearing rearwardly against the follower, a part on the tube forming an abutment for the forward end of the spring, a part on the tube limitingv the reara ward travel of the follower, the spring being movable through the forward cap with the tube when the tube is moved forwardly to cause the follower to draw a charge of lubricant into the container, and a plunger operable in the cylinder to eject lubricant through the tube.

12. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container having forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap, means Siti releasably securing the tube to the forward cap, a cylinder at the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container to feed lubricant to the cylinder, a spring surrounding the tube and bearing rearwardly against the follower, a part on the tube forming an abutment for the forward end of the spring, a part on the tube limiting the rearward travel of the follower, the spring being movable through the forward cap with the tube when the tube is moved forwardly to cause the follower to draw a charge of lubricant into the container, and a ram unit removably arranged on the rear cap and including a ram operable in the cylinder.

13. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container having forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap, means releasably securing the tube to the forward cap, a cylinder at the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container to feed the lubricant to the cylinder, a pressure resisting valve controlling communication between the cylinder and the discharge tube, a unit secured to the rear cap and including, a ram operable in the cylinder, and cylinder and piston means operating the ram.

14. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container having forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap, means releasably securing the tube to the forward cap, a cylinderon the inner end of the tube, a pressure resisting valve controlling communication between the cylinder and the discharge tube, a guide on the rear cap centering the cylinder and ported to admit lubricant to the cylinder, and a ram unit removably secured to the rear cap including a ram operable in the cylinder to eject lubricant through the tube, and means for operating the ram.

15. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container having forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap, means releasably securing the tube to the forward cap, a valved cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a ported guide on the rear cap for admitting lubricant to the cylinder, and a ram unit removably secured to the rear cap including a ram centered by the guide and operable in the cylinder to eject lubrican*L through the tube, and means for operating the ram, the last mentioned means including a cylinder and piston means, and a valved control for the cylinder and piston means.

16. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container having forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap, means releasably securing the tube to the forward cap, a valved cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a ported guide for the cylinder on the rear cap admitting lubricant to the cylinder, and a ram unit removably secured to the rear cap including a guide part, a handle reciprocable on the said guide part, and a ram carried by the handle, centered by said guide part and operable in the cylinder to eject lubricant through the tube.

17. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container, a discharge tube stationarily secured to the container to extend rearwardly therein and extending from its forward end, a cylinder at the rear end of the container, a valve controlling communication between the cylinder and the discharge tube, and a unit removably secured to the rear end of the container comprising, a guide part, a handle reciprocable on the guide part, and

a ram carried by the handle and operable in the cylinder.

18. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container, a discharge tube secured to the container and extending from its forward end, a cylinder at the rear end of the container having valved communication with the discharge tube, and a unit removably secured to the rear end of the container comprising, a body, a uid pressure actuated piston operable in the body, and a ram extending into the cylinder and operable by the piston.

19. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container, a discharge tube secured to the container and extending from its forward end, a cylinder at the rear end of the container having valved communication with the discharge tube, and a unit removably secured to the rear end of the container comprising, a body, a fluid pressure actuated piston operable in the body, a handle on the body, valve means controlling the piston, and a ram extending into the cylinder and operable by the piston.

20. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container,'a discharge tube secured to the container and extending from its forward end, a cylinder at the rear end of the container having valved communication with the discharge tube, and a removable unit on the rear end of the container including, a bushing lining the cylinder, a part reciprocable relative to the bushing, and a ram on said part operable in the bushing to eject lubricant through the tube.

2l. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container, a discharge tube secured to the container and extending rearwardly therein to adjacent its rear end, a cylinder at the rear end of the container, means feeding lubricant from the container to the cylinder, a valve controlling communication between the cylinder and the discharge tube, a guide part on the container, a bushing on the guide part lining the cylinder, a handle reciprocable on the guide part, and a ram on the handle operable in the bushing to eject lubricant through the tube.

22. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant containeryhaving forward and rear caps, a discharge tube extending through the forward cap to adjacent the rear cap, means rigidly securing the tube to the forward cap, a valved cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a ported guide on the rear cap for admitting lubricant to the cylinder, and a ram unit removably secured to the rear cap including, a guide part on the container, a bushing on the guide part lining the cylinder, a handle reciprocable on the guide part, and a ram on the handle operable in the bushing to eject lubricant through the tube.

23. A lubricant gun including, a lubricant container, a lubricant discharge tubev entering the container, releasable means holding the tube against movement relative to the container, a cylinder on the inner end of the tube, a follower operable in the container on the tube to feed lubricant to the cylinder, means for admitting air under pressure to the container to actuate the follower, a ram for ejecting lubricant from the cylinder, and means for causing the follower to move with the tube when the rst named means is released and the tube is moved outwardly to draw a supply of lubricant into the container.

` CARL W. STOLL. 

